All Arts. All the Time.
We listen, learn, and share in appreciation of being alive. We are not perfect. But we believe in open minds and hearts...
the HocTok Team
the HocTok Team
Stephanie Levine
TOHI Organics & World Music
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Stephanie Levine is the name of an inspiring woman who has worked for Island Outpost and Bob Marley Music promoting and managing the music of mega stars such as Grace Jones and Bob Marley. She is also the main driving force behind TOHI Organics, a vegan meals line prepared with love and sold at the Westerly Market in NYC. We caught up with Stephanie to hear more about her focus points and healthy but also fun lifestyle tips.
Who ain’t in need of sharing a few good stories and valid opinions with someone who is always invested in the community and the world at large?! Stephanie Levine believes that making healthy lifestyle choices is not about sacrificing. |
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
She adds, “Stay as true to your core beliefs as much as possible in your daily lifestyle… Keep goals that keep you engaged and make your mindset happy. Keep it real!” Listen to some world music numbers to jumpstart your summer but first read here.
The Clackity
Lora Senf
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Lora Senf is our new favorite children’s author on this third day of February. Her debut book titled The Clackity will be officially available in June. Feel free to pre-order it today for a youngster in your life or for the child in you.
We came across Lora’s writings months ago and we were hooked. Reading about the upcoming release of The Clackity gave us a reason to connect with this cool mom of twins who is busy and keeps it real. It is almost 2 years since lockdown rules went into effect because of Covid-19. Although the situation has improved, the struggle to keep a positive outlook ain’t all that easy. |
 Pre-order a copy |
Reading Lora Senf's work helps. We especially appreciate her #BeatTheBlues strategy. Lora said, “I start and end my day with gratitude. Every day, no exceptions. Even the days that suck. Especially the days that suck.” We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with a writer like Lora Senf. The Clackity is set to be a fan favorite. We are betting on it.
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Work in Retrospect & in Progress
Gus Van Sant
Gus Van Sant - the Palme d’Or winning director of Elephant, who has earned two Oscar nominations for Good Will Hunting and Milk, and who is the auteur of cult favorites such as My Own Private Idaho, Gerry, Drugstore Cowboy - is our very own guest of honor this final feature of 2021. We spoke with Gus Van Sant about his recent collaboration with Gucci’s Alessandro Michele for a seven-part mini series titled Ouverture of Something That Never Ended. We were also interested in learning more about Van Sant's musical theater debut project titled Trouble, a tribute to Andy Warhol, commissioned by BoCA Biennal of Contemporary Arts in Portugal. Van Sant wrote the text, music and lyrics as well as directed and staged the production, which premiered in Lisbon and later in Rome. Hope we get a chance to see it in '22.
Episode 7: "A Nightly Walk" | Ouverture Of Something That Never Ended
Gus Van Sant has inspired generations of creatives. He is a brilliant film director, screenwriter, photographer, musician, painter and a well-rounded, nonconformist, artistic genius who keeps busy and never wavers from gifting the world with his unique visions. Every project that Gus Van Sant takes on garners plenty of attention as what he does is daring, unpredictable and awe-inspiring. The world is a better place because of people like Gus Van Sant who never get lost in noise and never get tangled in nonsensical meanderings. He is real and really amazing. May 2022 be filled with more surprises by the likes of Gus Van Sant!
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Seeking Serenity in Paintings & Murals
Carol Moreno
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Carol Moreno is a self-taught painter and muralist based in Barcelona. Her landscapes, portraits, and murals create perfect vibes in public institutions, luxury hotel chains and private collections in Europe and North America. Nature provides Carol with a wealthy list of ideas and inspiration. Her inner world is just as rich and inquisitive.
Listening to Carol's stories of becoming an artist is as humbling as it is motivating. Her achievements are a good indicator that persistence pays off and experimentation goes a long way especially in art. Good ideas, objectives and a daring personality are helpful when taking paths that might seem harder at first. The self-portrait of this gifted Spaniard artist stands out in our ephemeral world full of contradictions and splendor . |
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
Carol Moreno’s body of work reflects a refined interpretation of the beauty and harmony generously found in nature. A fine color palette intertwined with abundant details and a distinct play of light and shadow help viewers appreciate the serenity as uniquely defined by Carol Moreno.
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Mutations
Alvin Singleton
A few days ago, Canadian pianist Dr. Jackie Leung shared a wonderful performance of Alvin Singleton’s Mutations (1966) for piano solo. It was recorded at a private residence in Canada to be enjoyed from the comfort of your favorite room anywhere in the world.
Alvin Singleton (b.1940)- Mutations (1966), for piano solo
Listen to Dr. Leung’s vibrant interpretation of Singleton’s sumptuously reflective piece of music. It will be a refreshing source of emotional energy on a cold winter in the midst of a strange holiday season.
10 Books We Recommend This Week
On a special day like today I turn to literature.
I think of you every day. Our last embrace. It was before dawn. I had to leave. Why so early? Why did I not insist on surrendering to your warmth for a little longer? I think of our plans for a trip to Mallorca. We talked about it a few times. Every detail considered and reconsidered. All of Us. The sun. The sea. Seafood. Fruit. Wine. Conversations. The sound of waves and summer rhythms. Our single coffee outing was the best of my life. We didn’t mind the surrounding noises and nosy people. The busy autumn afternoon didn’t dampen our spirits. Remember the fun we had. Your jokes. Our laughter. Your eyes. I adore you. I search for you in the morning light. Smile to the sun and say good morning to a good soul. Last night I saw myself at an apple orchard. Probably wandering in hopes of finding you there, sitting with a book in hand, raising your head at the sound of twigs breaking under the weight of my sorrow and longing. I see you smiling at me, waiving at me. I love your smile. No kisses. Just hugs.
I think of you every day. Our last embrace. It was before dawn. I had to leave. Why so early? Why did I not insist on surrendering to your warmth for a little longer? I think of our plans for a trip to Mallorca. We talked about it a few times. Every detail considered and reconsidered. All of Us. The sun. The sea. Seafood. Fruit. Wine. Conversations. The sound of waves and summer rhythms. Our single coffee outing was the best of my life. We didn’t mind the surrounding noises and nosy people. The busy autumn afternoon didn’t dampen our spirits. Remember the fun we had. Your jokes. Our laughter. Your eyes. I adore you. I search for you in the morning light. Smile to the sun and say good morning to a good soul. Last night I saw myself at an apple orchard. Probably wandering in hopes of finding you there, sitting with a book in hand, raising your head at the sound of twigs breaking under the weight of my sorrow and longing. I see you smiling at me, waiving at me. I love your smile. No kisses. Just hugs.
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You were a time traveler, a dreamer and a soulful weaver of love. Always a free spirit. A Godsend. Until we meet again, I have your books. The list of books you recommended and we discussed are still among my favorites. I wrote down the 10 titles at the tip of my tongue - worthy of any reading list old or new. Missing you and looking for you in every turning page.
Hive - The Sundance Triple Winner
Blerta Basholli
Hive - Zgjoi is a film written and directed by Blerta Basholli. It is a powerful and honest portrayal of a woman’s journey from barely surviving a horrific war to making a place for herself in a fragile reality. Yllka Gashi’s intensely captivating performance, in the lead role, makes it possible for any audience to understand the depicted tragedy and triumph on a human level.
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Aftereffects
Jiye Lee
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Jiye Lee is the poet, educator, globe trotter, cake lover, and Dua Lipa fan with whom we had the good fortune of connecting not long ago. She is the author of Aftereffects - a chapbook of poetry described as the author’s way of processing her grief and still trying to seek beauty and hope in the world after the loss of her father. Grief is unavoidable after the loss of someone dear. It generally pushes even the strongest of minds/souls into a deep abyss from where it’s hard to make it back unscathed. Jiye Lee’s Aftereffects is the book you need to read not only when grieving but also when trying to face the ever changing color wheel of life. According to the author, Aftereffects includes “two underlying messages: one is the powerful, saving nature of love (in my case, the love my father had for me), and the other is that because of this love, we continue to, as hard as it is, recommit ourselves to living.”
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Jiye Lee’s skills to weave simple words and honest feelings into a healing space for a longing heart is something we desperately need to surrender to when searching for meaning to carry on. We are looking forward to more beautiful work from Jiye Lee.
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How to Move a Landscape
Blane de St. Croix
Each one of my monumental sculptures takes an incredible investment of time, energy, and funding, often times taking years to produce. With each new landscape project, the design, material use, fabrication, engineering, and visual narrative is totally distinctive. This approach allows me to push myself to develop the work in new ways every time in the studio, and permits me to properly (and literally) dimensionalize any given geopolitical topic I am currently immersed in.
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Blane De St. Croix has garnered attention from a number of circles especially for his recent MASS MoCA exhibit titled How to Move a Landscape. We connected with the artist to talk about his scope of work through decades and his focus on landscapes with their intricate ties to geopolitical, scientific and cultural realities. By the way, if you have the chance to visit MASS MoCA, do it. How to Move a Landscape will move you.
De St. Croix creates imposing works that reflect his understanding and exploration of landscapes. He intentionally goes beyond an intellectual study and visual depictions. The artist is intent on highlighting the importance of doing more to protect our planet. He spotlights scientists and tribal communities whose first-hand experiences with environmental issues cannot be ignored. De St. Croix aims to create connections in order to inspire action and collaboration for solutions that affect our planet. He has earned a prestigious lifetime achievement award and a list of prizes for his valuable work. But the thing is that Blane De St. Croix is not done yet. He sees everyone’s involvement as being crucial for the sake of our planet’s future. Will you do your part?
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De St. Croix creates imposing works that reflect his understanding and exploration of landscapes. He intentionally goes beyond an intellectual study and visual depictions. The artist is intent on highlighting the importance of doing more to protect our planet. He spotlights scientists and tribal communities whose first-hand experiences with environmental issues cannot be ignored. De St. Croix aims to create connections in order to inspire action and collaboration for solutions that affect our planet. He has earned a prestigious lifetime achievement award and a list of prizes for his valuable work. But the thing is that Blane De St. Croix is not done yet. He sees everyone’s involvement as being crucial for the sake of our planet’s future. Will you do your part?
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What Kind of Girl?
Caroline Kautsire
It is a great day to make a new friend. Caroline Kautsire. She is a published author as well as a professor. She is from Boston by way of Malawi. Caroline is young, wise, thoughtful and generous. She shares what she knows, what helps her and what she expects of herself. She has a clear sense of purpose and a healthy dose of self-awareness. She is an explorer. Caroline is determined to make her presence known according to her own terms.
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
What Kind of Girl? is Caroline Kautsire’s debut book. You must consider adding it to your reading list. The book cover is stunning, not that we are fans of teams that judge books by their covers. But let’s not digress, read Caroline’s story. Based on real experiences and feelings, the author explores struggles and truths that sound familiar to anyone who has been told to look or behave a certain way to be seen and to fit in. We are with Caroline Kautsire for the long run.
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Connecting with Your Own Soul
Quim Bové
Quim Bové is a philosopher and an artist based in LA. He is a city dweller with a love for the mystery of desert. He is a father and a grandfather who always seeks to find a healthy balance in life. Quim Bové is a great human being who never tires of working and experimenting in his studio while also observing and marveling at the endless beauty found in nature. It is truly inspiring to connect with Quim whose body of work reminds us that time and change are impossible to ignore and avoid.
Architecture of the Universe by Quim Bove
Live your life to the fullest without paying attention to stress triggers of any kind. Enjoy our conversation with Quim Bove and see why his paintings and his view of the universe is what we need most right now.
Following Her Dream
Kiyomi Baird
"I prefer to let the viewer encounter my work directly without any prescribed narrative. My work is purposefully not didactic or message based. It rises up from my unconscious with minimal forethought or intentional manipulation. Ideally, it stirs a reaction in the viewer’s unconscious which they can ponder and interpret in their own way."
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Kiyomi Baird is a visual artist whose paintings are rooted in the Japanese and American cultures, flowing naturally from her unconscious, both personal and collective. The artist is in touch with her surroundings, absorbing and noticing every small change especially in nature. Kiyomi's body of work reflects a lively series of impressions that will make you stop and ponder the vastness of every passing moment. Ultimately, her art has the power to awaken the spiritual side of viewers including us. Read our conversation with Kiyomi Baird and peruse her paintings to obtain the right jolt of energy and spirituality to start your week. Make one of these paintings yours for a lasting effect.
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From the Edge of the World
Sebastian Oswald
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Do all the cool people live in Berlin? An experienced traveler and friend shared what was labeled a rhetorical question by some. Then, the majority in our humble abode voted and the final decision was that you will find cool people in every corner of the globe if you only have the patience and resources to search.
Sebastian Oswald gave us reason to take a virtual trip to Berlin. He is a composer, orchestrator and arranger who is busy with fantastic projects. If you are a fan of Apple Music then you have definitely come across Laurence Ipsum which is one of Sebastian's recent achievements. The Dr. Who Theme is another. |
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
Music, good talks, new ideas and plenty of love for nature are some meeting points with this talented musician. Sebastian is like a reliable friend who always has the most interesting stories to share and a hectic schedule to go with it but somehow still manages to remain grounded and approachable. His advice is to keep the head in the game, take your work seriously, but don’t let it get to your head. Have fun! Get lost into the woods sometimes. Lean on solid support when needed. Create! Share! Life is complex. Make it worthwhile for as long as it lasts. Listen to Sebastian Oswald’s music and read his conversation with us.
No Boundaries
Nailah Howze
Nailah Howze, also known as Cloud Nai, a native of Los Angeles, is a multifaceted artist. She is mostly known for her photography right now but her talents include music, event production and film. Her photography is gripping for it captures the unfiltered originality of real people whose lives deserve to be highlighted and celebrated.
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Nailah’s photography presents layers of stories, lives and characters that get the viewers’ full attention for all the right reasons in today's busy world. Nailah's ambition and dedication fuels her artistic spirit. She is a force to be reckoned with and we are here to cheer her on as she keeps reaching higher with good energy and a genuine smile.
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Choose Happiness
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Happiness is a choice. It is a statement that you should consider. You know Dalai Lama - of course you do. Do you know that he is one of the happiest people around? Do you care to hear how he achieves happiness? Then read his six tips to happiness and follow his advice.
1- Be Truthful 2- Don’t fall prey to anger and hatred 3- Overcome negative thoughts 4- Develop Compassion 5- Nurture your spiritual nature 6- Adjust your perspective Read more... |
Photo credit: Daria Shevtsova |
Soaring Together
Ryan Judd
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Ryan Judd is a Billboard Chart Topping recording artist. He is an internationally known music therapist as well as a guitarist and composer. Listen to Ryan Judd’s music on your favorite music streaming platform. Do it right now and anytime you need to chill, meditate, or escape any sort of mental or emotional clutter. Ryan’s music is soothing and good for the soul. It can be easily considered an essential necessity in our modern lives.
Ryan is part of that amazing tribe of creative people who are true to their emotions, generous, welcoming, and interested in learning any chance they get. |
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Read our conversation with Ryan to understand his creative journey and inspirations. Tap into your heart and let the tears roll if necessary and make sure to play Ryan’s music often.
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Turning in Time
Debra Kaye
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Music has always helped me steer through hard times and find comfort and peace. Composing also puts me in touch with my spirituality and intuition. Sometimes I jokingly say - music is my religion, I practice it.
These are the words of Debra Kaye, an award-winning New York composer whose music is relevant and rich in eclectic sounds. Kaye’s body of work draws inspiration from classical to jazz and beyond including her training in Dalcroze Eurhythmics. The composer is not only an observer of current events but she communicates and reacts to it all through her music. Debra Kaye is thinker with a big heart whose musical achievements serve as a fitting testament to the power of her music making abilities and talent. |
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
Kaye’s Turning in Time gets its world premiere in a special release by talented violinist and HocTok friend, Kinga Augustyn. Kinga Augustyn’s record, also titled, Turning in Time will be a great addition to your music library and it is something you will enjoy time and time again.
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Celebrating Alvin Singleton
Project 80
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Happy 2021! Start the New Year with our special concert: Momenta Quartet performing Alvin Singleton.
Alvin Singleton is the name of one of the most brilliant American composers you need to know. His music and his energy make the world a better place. On December 28, 2020, we celebrated Alvin Singleton’s 80th birthday in a very special way. Yes, there was a Zoom party but it was like none other you’ve attended all year long. Every participant was in a celebratory mood contributing to the overall atmosphere that was just perfect. The guest of honor, Alvin Singleton, was truly and happily surprised to see so many of his friends smiling and cheering for him. |
Enjoy the film here
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Lisa Cooper, Alvin Singleton’s wife and masterful planner of beautiful surprises, was elated and proud. We also streamed a film with highlights of Alvin’s life through his music, words, and birthday wishes. It was a night to remember honoring the one and only: Alvin Singleton.
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5 Reasons to Buy & Read Prostituta
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1. Travel to a different time & place with characters facing relatable struggles.
2. Read different definitions of despair & ways of dealing with it. 3. Learn about survival & existential crises of various depths. 4. Be reminded that greed can be detrimental if left unchecked. 5. Keep the faith & preserve peace in any way, shape or form. Prostituta is a magnificent collection of stories by celebrated Albanian writer, Teodor Keko. Written between the late '80s to mid '90s, these seventeen tales – all of which have been translated into English for the first time – continue to remain relevant to this day. They display Keko’s complex world and unrivaled ability to see and seek the truth to help mankind learn from past mistakes. Keko’s stories range from humorous trips into strange existences to bittersweet tales of loss, from oppressive drills in utter despair to a lavish selection of human madness with a side of dark humor. |
Sola
Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti
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Sola is the title of the newest project that Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti shares with the world on this crisp December morning. It includes beautiful new music for viola and electronics performed by Anne and written by Icelandic composer, Anna Thorvaldsdottir.
In addition to the music, you will also get a chance to listen to a conversation between Anne, who commissioned the work as well as performed it, and Anna, the composer. You will learn about the composer's journey, process, and the music itself. |
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According to the composer, “Sola is inspired by abstract structural elements of solitariness in the midst of turmoil—by the desire of calm and focus in chaos.” As far as we are concerned, Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti is the artist whose music, words, and presence you need to make sense of whatever life throws your way. Buy and listen to Anne's and Anna's Sola and share it with loved ones to fill their buckets and yours. Enjoy!
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A Discerning Eye
Carol Orange
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Today is a brand new day for you to let go of your emotions and reach out for a good book, a mystery novel to read and enjoy. A Discerning Eye by Carol Orange is what we recommend. The story is linked to the shocking robbery at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. There is an amazing main character with a fantastic name: Portia Malatesta. Psychological profiling of the alleged mastermind behind the heist will keep you at the edge of your seat. You will read about FBI getting involved and Portia taking risky trips to the underworld of Medellin, Colombia. A Discerning Eye will give you a glimpse of a complicated web of politics, pride and ugly crimes, and it's all much better than reality TV.
Carol Orange is one of the most knowledgeable people in the art world and one of the nicest. |
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She was an art dealer in New York, a gallery owner in Boston, an art book editor in London, a scholar in Paris and an explorer of beauty everywhere. She is one of the most exquisite people you will ever meet. Carol has a soft spot for exotic places. She has friends all over the world because of her unique ability to connect with people of all backgrounds. Carol Orange is a storyteller whose writing you will fall in love with, and isn't that the best thing to do on a wonderful autumn day like today?
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XHOANA X
Inside her Castle while in Quarantine
Xhoana X is the singer-songwriter whose recently self-released song titled Castle is hauntingly beautiful and downright heartbreaking. Listen to Xhoana X’s sound and lyrics. Close your eyes. Get lost in the stream emotions that her music awakens and revives from the depths of your soul. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the saying goes. But some people’s beauty is undeniable as their inner light shines through in everything they do. Xhoana X is part of that tribe of fierce and enchanting humans whose presence is always in high demand for all they create and share with us.
C A S T L E by XHOANA X
If you have felt sad, lost, or totally confused recently, you’re not alone, now more than ever before. Still, do your best to keep hope alive and surround yourself with good people and creative energy. Let our conversation with Xhoana X serve as an intro to an amazing human whose music sips through the shadows of our collective sadness and lifts us up.
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On My Own
Shamir
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Shamir is a multihyphenate artist whose newest song On My Own has captivated many including us. His sound and lyrics are everything at this moment in time. Listen to his entire output. You’ll have plenty of reasons to fall in love with Shamir’s talent and appreciate the introvert with a big heart whose natural ability to connect with the wide world is easily felt through his music.
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Photo: courtesy of the artist |
We are looking forward to his newest album scheduled for release in the fall. Until then, let Shamir's On My Own set the mood for the days ahead and read our conversation with him here.
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Marco Jemolo
Framed
Marco Jemolo is the man behind Framed. He is a filmmaker whose works strike a chord with audiences around the globe. It must have something to do with his grasp of reality and his original renderings of storylines that connect us all.
FRAMED by marco jemolo
Our conversation with Marco highlights a few definitive characteristics of a modern day visionary with timeless ideas and a serious level of determination. Marco enjoys communicating and sharing the spotlight with his collaborators. He wants everyone who works with him to feel inspired and involved. He creates works that have meaning and are easily embraced by many. Get to know Marco Jemolo through his passions, plans and new friendships.
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A Jazz Musician's Life in Lockdown & Beyond
Kerry Politzer
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Kerry Politzer is a Portland-based jazz pianist, composer, educator and mom. She is part of the music faculty at Portland State University and University of Portland. It is not surprising that music is the epicenter of her life especially during these difficult days. In recent weeks, Kerry's main activities have included making and sharing music, staying in touch with her students via Zoom and keeping busy with a project to honor some legendary Brazilian jazz musicians. Although making Jell-O and cutting paper numbers or cooking and taking a walk have also been part of the mix. Finding ways to stay optimistic is a commonly shared goal now.
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Buy and listen to Kerry Politzer's music who has released six albums. Learn more about this talented musician, how she dealt with lockdown restrictions, and what her plans and wishes are for better days ahead. You may end up baking chocolate chip brownies and listening to jazz and that would be nice, wouldn't it?
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Words... Fire... ACTION... FIGHT NOW!
by Khari Joyner
Photo: courtesy of the artist
...Now more than ever, I implore people to make a TRUE bridge between alliance and intersectionality. Fight for the rights of LGBTQ+, women of color, people with disabilities, people who need YOU to join them in alliance to fight the good fight. It’s a long road, a painful one.. but also we are taking strides.. there is a future, a bright future ahead, when we come together like we are doing today, as ironic as it may seem during a global pandemic… we come together to recognize that we FIGHT WITH WORDS. FIGHT WITH FIRE. FIGHT WITH ACTION… FIGHT NOW.
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My Beautiful People
by Arisa White
We take solace in the words of our spiritual Goddess, Nina Simone who has said, “An artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times.”
Photo credit: Samantha Florio
Eric Mack
Digital Emotions
...There’s a lot of creativity, a lot of people doing a lot of great things. But even with that there’s a lot of division. From large scale, to the local division, it’s the core, it kind of impedes growth. The focus should be about closing up the gaps. Working on vices is what slows down growth. Division is something we oughta work on.
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Moving on to a larger scale, love, that what I’d like to see. There’s a lot of separation. A lot of division. Love, I know it’s possible. We are all humans. I want to see more open heart and more understanding. It’s not all about the exterior. Skin doesn’t make a difference. I want people trying to come together. Let’s work together. We have to understand each other a little more. It’s definitely possible.
Let’s make it happen!
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Let’s make it happen!
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Finding the Truth Through Writing
Marissa Glover
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Marissa Glover is a creator whose work and words are relevant and meaningful, especially because they are sincere and heartfelt. She is a performance poet, an educator, a mother whose world evolves around love. Marissa is talented and busy with numerous projects but none of her achievements or responsibilities have changed her. She remains humble and kind. She is someone you need to listen to if you are at loss of words over what’s going on around you or in the world at large. Enjoy our conversation with her, and take this opportunity to know Marissa Glover. She offers advice and honest opinions that we all need to pay attention to in order to help ourselves and one another.
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Photo: courtesy of the artist |
Find a comfortable nook or go out in nature and read something worthy. Get to know Marissa Glover, her poetry, and a sneak peak of her world. You will be inspired and motivated. Read here one of her latest poems and be ready for her forthcoming poetry collection "Let Go of the Hands You Hold".
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Counting the Small Joys & Cherishing Every Day
Jihyun Yun
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
Jihyun Yun is a poet and a poetic soul. What she writes is important and enjoyable as it flows from a place of honest feelings and true love. Jihyun is the author of an upcoming publication titled "Some Are Always Hungry". She defines her book as “a love song to my mother and my grandmother and all the women before who I passed through to arrive in this world as I am” and that dedication alone merits attention. Jihyun’s poetry will help you have a good day so read her work and get her book the first chance you get.
On this Monday, try to do something nice to help a fellow human being. You'll find it rewarding on many levels. Jihyun Yun concentrates on uplifting fellow late 2019/ 2020 authors who have had their book tours disrupted by the pandemic. |
Whatever battles you are facing, avoid getting stuck in webs of negative energy. Do as Jihyun does and start growing vegetables or start a herb garden instead. Let in the sun and always follow a wise mother’s advice to “be good” each morning. Jihyun Yun's interview and poetry will help you jumpstart your week.
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#NYlights
#NYlights is our series showcasing real New Yorkers who deserve a standing ovation. They are business owners, creators, artists, makers whose realities have turned upside down in recent weeks. Despite the difficult situation and high level of uncertainty, everyone we feature here hopes and does whatever possible to keep the NY Lights on. We need to be reminded of New York's resiliency now more than ever. If you wish to nominate a wonderful New Yorker to be added to our #NYlights, send us a note. Cheers to hope and better days ahead for NYC and the world!
Santo Brúklin
A New Family Owned Restaurant Amidst Shutdown
"Hello. We are Pedro, Naina, and Sara. We are family, friends, transplants, and recently, the new owners of Santo Brúklin. Pedro and Naina grew up as cousins who were more like siblings in Rio de Janeiro and Sara comes from a small town called Sweet Home, Oregon. We met by chance a few years back (Sara & Pedro got married two years ago) and have always had this idea in the back of our minds to open our own bar-restaurant. A few months ago an opportunity came around that we couldn’t resist, and Santo Bruklin was born.
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Santo Brúklin Staff
We opened the same weekend that Governor Cuomo announced the shutdown. We’ve been so fortunate to be welcomed by our new neighbors, and the support from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve been keeping busy and staying focused on the future - whatever it brings. Staying afloat is not without challenges. Although we love each other’s company, we miss the ease of socializing in NYC. The spontaneous plans with friends; crowding into bars to watch the latest Drag Race episode; days spent exploring new parts of the city - these are things we took for granted and things that we underestimated how much we’d miss. Until then, these brief interactions with our new customers are the light at the end of the tunnel. The humanity and compassion we’ve seen over the past 8 weeks have given us hope that our city will come out of this even stronger than before." #NYClights - May 11, 2020
Make a Lemon Tart and Ponder the Bigger Picture
Pastry Chef Nikolas Strangas
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Nicholas Strangas is a passionate dessert chef based in Denmark although originally from Greece. He is an adventurer at heart. He loves experimenting with different ingredients and techniques for some really awesome sweet treats. Maybe getting to know Nicholas Strangas and drooling over his desserts will inspire you to try a new recipe. How about his lemon tart?
Somewhere it's rainy today. It might be cold where you are. Sunny anywhere? Good. Think of a beautiful summer in Mykonos where you may run into Nicholas if things turn back to normal soon. Dream of a trip to Denmark as another great destination and home to Nicholas Strangas. Make the acquaintance of a talented gent who has a great personality and can whip up delicious treats like it's no big deal. |
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
Choose to be in a dessert state of mind and start the week on a sweet note. Enjoy!
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Greatness...
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...my assignment: how do I understand greatness? What will it take to achieve it? And right now, I don't know. I am a little bit overwhelmed by all the usage of "great" "greater" "greatest" or "greatness". I'm tired of hearing these words. Maybe I've heard them said at the wrong time by the wrong people.
Maybe deep down I know I'll never do anything great and that's why I don't know what to say about 'greatness'. Maybe that's why I can only focus on small things that can be good and helpful. Maybe I'm more interested in relevance rather than greatness in these days of complete uncertainty. The most relevant actors in today's crazy reality are the ones who will pinpoint the connecting dots of greatness in the name of our common humanity. Those who act decisively and selflessly, keeping their cool under mounting pressure, will define greatness. We better take note and follow their lead. Read more... |
Photo credit: Triangle News |
Imagined Realities
Alaba Onajin
Alaba Onajin is one of the artists chosen for the Women in African History Project by UNESCO. The mission of the project is to educate children in Africa and also the world about the brave women who have helped shaped the progress and growth of the continent. What better choice than a young artist who has passion, vision, and tenacity to keep doing what he loves and forget about the nay sayers and negative energy of any kind.
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Anaïs Duplan
You Will Succeed
Photo credit: Yael Malka |
Anaïs Duplan is the type of poet and writer whose works you want to read and re-read until his newest one is published.
Get acquainted with Anaïs Duplan’s work and you will feel like you have a friend who’ll always keep the conversation flow with what’s true and real, intelligent and clear. At this moment Anaïs believes “getting more in touch with your emotions helps you connect with others in more genuine ways. Intimacy is such a magical thing, and then again, it’s so ordinary! If we can get out of the way of it, it happens so naturally.” Read more... |
In Pencil & Paper
Christelle Bilodeau
Amy Winehouse - Before Frank series
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Pencil drawing of Bob Dylan
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Pencil drawing of Lady Gaga
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Christelle Bilodeau’s portfolio includes amazing pencil drawings of some fantastic artists such Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Amy Winehouse, Bob Dylan, Lady Gaga and many more. Her artistry is undeniable and just take a look at her body of work for an introduction to her talent. Christelle’s portraits reflect a high level of precision, plenty of details and that that little something that captivates the essence of each individual who becomes the subject of her art pieces.
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